January 27th—here's where I'm taking my kids this week

Our free weekly email keeps you in the loop of local kid-friendly events and things to do 🤝

We’re trying out a new format this year: a biweekly Playdate email to give everyone a little more breathing room in their family planning horizon. Time feels like it’s moving impossibly fast lately, and I’m realizing how important it is to be intentional about how we spend it.

I’m feeling extra grateful to be in San Francisco right now while so many are dealing with extreme freezing weather. We’ll definitely be soaking up the magnolia blooms and getting outside as much as possible. And we’re especially excited to celebrate the richness of Bay Area culture over the next couple of weeks, Lunar New Year festivities and the kickoff to Black History Month feel like such meaningful moments to share with our kids.

X Aubrey

📍 200 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco, CA 94134
Early Learning: Swing Into Stories
Tuesday 1/27 Children’s bookmobile service in McLaren Park with outdoor storytime for little ones. Perfect for a playground morning with books, fresh air, and a casual community vibe. (9:30am – 12pm; storytime 10:30–11am)

📍 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Wednesday 1/28 Explore contemporary art, film, and public programs at YBCA, a cultural anchor in Yerba Buena Gardens. An easy midweek outing to pair with the playground across the street and a coffee stop nearby. (11am – 5pm)

📍 425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Toddler Thursday at Salesforce Park
Thursday 1/29 JAMaRoo Kids hosts an outdoor music session for toddlers in the Main Plaza—an easy downtown outing with fresh air, movement, and music. Great for kids ages 1–4. (10am – 10:45am)

📍 474 24th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Baby Brigade at The New Parkway Theater
Thursday 1/29 A baby-friendly afternoon movie where caregivers can relax without worrying about noise. The theater offers stroller parking, dim lighting for feeding or changing, and a welcoming crowd of other parents with infants. ($12; 4pm)

📍 1801 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94123
 SF’s 2026 Free Lunar New Year Lion Dancing Festival
Saturday 1/31 Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Lion Dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and hands-on cultural activities at library branches across the city. A festive and free way to introduce kids to Lunar New Year traditions. (10:15am – 5:30pm)

📍 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Family Tour at de Young Museum
Saturday 1/31 Join educators for a guided family tour exploring three artworks with conversation and interactive activities. A great way to introduce little ones to art in an engaging, low-pressure way. (10:30am)

📍 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Magnificent Magnolias
Sunday 2/1 See the magnolia collection in full bloom, with more than 200 trees flowering in shades of pink, white, and magenta throughout the garden. . A beautiful winter stroll for all ages.

📍 Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Black History Month Celebration
Sunday 2/1 Celebrate Black History Month with live music, arts & crafts, and food at Thrive City. Expect vibrant performances, family-friendly activities, and a festive afternoon atmosphere. (Afternoon)

📍 850 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Monday Morning Play
Monday 2/2 Meet new friends, play with toys, and enjoy music in the North Beach Library community room. A relaxed drop-in play session for kids 0–6 and their caregivers. (10am – 12pm)

📍 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Lunar New Year at Children’s Fairyland
Saturday 2/7 Celebrate Lunar New Year with lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, sweet treats, and festive activities for young kids. Included with admission, plus access to all rides and Fairyland attractions. (10am – 4pm)

📍 2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965
Family Farm Days at Slide Ranch
Saturday 2/7 Spend the morning on a working coastal farm—milk a goat, meet chickens and ducks, explore the garden, and join themed crafts and cooking activities. Stay after to explore tide pools and trails. ($40+; kids 1 and under free, 9:30am – 1pm)

*These aren’t ALL the family-friendly events happening this week in and around SF, just the best (IMO). We keep it short and curated—follow on IG + TT for more!

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See you next week!